Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: SteerBridge

Location: Vienna, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-09-30T00:00:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-fidelity UI prototypes for complex government systems, focusing on user workflows and accessibility standards.

• Contribute to and extend a robust design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across product features.

• Collaborate closely with UX researchers, engineers, and subject-matter experts to translate user needs and technical requirements into production-ready designs.

• Own the end-to-end design process for specific product workflows and features, demonstrating strong UI craft and problem-solving skills.

• Ensure designs meet Section 508 and WCAG accessibility requirements for government applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Product Designer," the detailed responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into UI/UX design, with a strong emphasis on creating production-ready interfaces and maintaining a design system. The context of supporting government systems (AICES) and specific workflows (claims intake, medical evaluation) indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail, information architecture, and clear communication of complex data. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create high-fidelity, interactive prototypes in Figma, translating wireframes, user flows, research findings, and requirements into polished, developer-ready interfaces.

• Design intuitive workflows for critical functions such as claims intake, evidence review, multi-tab evidence viewing, medical evaluation, and administrative oversight.

• Partner with UX researchers and subject-matter experts in claims and medical evaluation to deeply understand user needs and translate validated workflows into effective product designs.

• Support key interaction design and information architecture decisions for complex, evidence-rich applications, ensuring clarity and usability.

• Maintain and actively extend the team’s design system by correctly utilizing established components, tokens, and patterns, and proposing new patterns as needed to enhance efficiency and consistency.

• Execute assigned design tasks under the direction of a senior product designer, tracking progress efficiently using Jira or similar Agile tools.

• Manage concurrent design tasks, estimate effort accurately, and prioritize work effectively across multiple sprints.

• Produce detailed handoff specifications, including interaction details, expected behaviors, states, and edge cases, to facilitate seamless developer implementation.

• Conduct design Quality Assurance (QA) on implemented features to verify alignment with Figma specifications and ensure intended behavior and user experience.

• Collaborate proactively with engineers, product stakeholders, researchers, and subject-matter experts to guarantee designs are feasible, consistent, accessible, and aligned with overarching user needs and project goals.

• Actively participate in design reviews and critique sessions, clearly articulating design rationale and incorporating constructive feedback into design iterations.

• Refine designs based on usability testing results, technical constraints, stakeholder feedback, and evolving operational requirements to optimize the user experience.

• Visualize concepts early in the development cycle to enable product and engineering teams to evaluate potential solutions before significant development investment.

• Communicate design progress effectively and proactively escalate any potential blockers or challenges to ensure timely project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on translating complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces within a government context. The emphasis on design QA, detailed handoff specifications, and collaboration with engineers points to a need for a designer who understands the development lifecycle and can bridge the gap between design and implementation. The mention of Jira and sprint management indicates an Agile development environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.

Experience: 2-4 years of professional experience in UI or product design (exceptional early-career candidates with strong portfolios will be considered).

Required Skills:

• U.S. citizenship.

• Ability to meet background investigation and access requirements for government projects.

• Strong proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like components, variants, auto layout, and interactive prototyping.

• Solid understanding of design systems, including the practical application and extension of components, tokens, and patterns.

• Excellent foundational UI skills encompassing typography, visual hierarchy, layout, spacing, and color theory.

• Proven ability to translate wireframes, workflows, or requirements into high-fidelity, developer-ready prototypes.

• Working knowledge of Section 508 requirements and WCAG accessibility standards as applied to UI design.

• Comfort and experience using Jira or similar Agile project management tools for task management and progress tracking.

• Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated openness to direction, critique, and mentorship.

• Ability to present a previously designed user flow and articulate design decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing evidence-rich applications, case management tools, enterprise software, decision-support tools, or other complex interfaces.

• Demonstrated experience in presenting source information, system-generated outputs, review status, exceptions, or permissions clearly and concisely.

• Working knowledge of core UX principles, including usability heuristics, information architecture, and interaction design.

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS to effectively understand implementation feasibility and communicate technical nuances with engineers.

• Experience contributing to or actively maintaining a design system component library.

• Experience participating in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and retrospectives.

• Experience supporting VA, federal health, benefits, disability claims, medical evaluation, or other government programs.

• Basic motion or interaction design skills to enhance user experience.

• Experience using AI-assisted design, prototyping, or development tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT/Codex).

• Ability to employ rapid prototyping techniques to demonstrate interactions and product concepts beyond static screens.

📝 Enhancement Note: The U.S. citizenship and background investigation requirements are critical for this role due to the government contract nature of the work. The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and accessibility (Section 508/WCAG) are core technical requirements. The preference for experience with complex, evidence-rich applications and government programs strongly suggests the ideal candidate will have prior exposure to similar domains.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing strong UI craft, including examples of well-structured design systems and components.

• Demonstrated ability to organize complex information effectively within user interfaces.

• Case studies illustrating the design of multi-step user workflows for complex applications.

• Examples that highlight the user experience design for government systems or similar enterprise-level software.

• Proof of ability to translate research findings and technical requirements into polished, production-ready designs. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of detailed handoff specifications provided to development teams, including interaction details, states, and edge cases.

• Present a previously designed user flow during the interview process, clearly explaining the design process, decisions, constraints, and tradeoffs.

• Include examples of how user research and usability testing have informed design iterations and improvements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using Agile methodologies, such as Jira, to manage design tasks and track progress through sprints.

• Provide evidence of contributions to or maintenance of design systems, including component libraries and pattern documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is substantial, with a specific need to present a user flow during the interview. This indicates a high level of scrutiny on the candidate's design process, decision-making rationale, and ability to articulate complex design challenges and solutions. The emphasis on design systems and handoff documentation highlights the importance of collaboration with engineering and the need for production-ready assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $135,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

• Paid Federal Holidays.

• Disability Coverage.

• Professional Development Opportunities and support for continuous learning.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific. The note about final offers being determined by experience, skills, education, certifications, work location, responsibilities, and potentially contract requirements is standard for government contracting roles. The benefits package is competitive and includes typical offerings for a full-time professional role, with a strong emphasis on retirement savings and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government Contracting, Digital Transformation, Emerging Technologies.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated, but the job description implies a growing organization with dedicated teams for specific projects like AICES. The mention of "cultivating talent" and "meaningful career pathways" suggests a focus on employee development and retention.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but SteerBridge positions itself as a "modern technology company" with deep expertise in federal acquisition and digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will join the Experience Design team, working under the day-to-day direction of a Senior Product Designer.

• Close collaboration is expected with UX Researchers, Engineers, Product Stakeholders, and Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs) in claims and medical evaluation.

• The role operates within a project team supporting MDC and the AICES platform.

• The company culture appears to value veterans, military spouses, and professionals passionate about technology and mission advancement. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Designs are informed by research findings, user needs, and validated workflows.

• Agile Development: Work is managed through sprints using tools like Jira, with participation in Agile ceremonies.

• Design System Centric: Emphasis on using and extending a design system for consistency and efficiency.

• User-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding user needs and translating them into clear, accessible, and trustworthy product experiences.

• Iterative Refinement: Designs are continuously improved based on testing, feedback, and evolving requirements.

Company Website: steerbridge.com

📝 Enhancement Note: SteerBridge's focus on serving the U.S. Government and private sector, coupled with its emphasis on veterans and mission-driven solutions, shapes its culture. The company appears to value expertise, collaboration, and professional growth, particularly within a government contracting context that requires security clearances and adherence to specific regulations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an early to mid-career Product Designer (2-5 years of experience). It offers a clear path for growth from supporting a senior designer to taking greater ownership of product workflows and features.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to a Senior Product Designer for day-to-day direction, mentorship, and design critique. They will also collaborate extensively with various cross-functional team members and stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness, efficiency, and clarity of critical government systems used for evaluating Veterans' claims. By making complex information easier to navigate and understand, the designer contributes to informed decision-making, accountability, and ultimately, the successful processing of claims. This has a tangible impact on Veterans and the efficiency of government operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for complex, evidence-rich applications, government systems, and accessibility standards.

• Design System Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility in maintaining, evolving, and advocating for the design system.

• Project Ownership: Progression to owning larger features or entire product workflows, moving from a supporting role to a lead design capacity on specific initiatives.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from a senior designer provides a structured learning environment for career advancement.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience and insights from working closely with researchers, engineers, product managers, and government SMEs.

• Government Sector Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge and experience within the federal government contracting domain, which can be a valuable career differentiator.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a structured growth path within a specialized domain (government tech). The emphasis on mentorship and the clear progression from supporting a senior designer to owning features are key growth drivers. The company's focus on "cultivating talent" suggests a commitment to employee development, which is a strong indicator of future career opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This typically involves a mix of remote work and in-office days, fostering collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): Vienna, VA. This location is within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with a cross-functional team, suggesting an environment that values teamwork and open communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, project management software (Jira), and potentially AI-assisted design tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with designers, engineers, researchers, and subject-matter experts, facilitating knowledge sharing and learning.

• Government Project Focus: Work is centered around critical government systems, implying a professional and security-conscious environment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in managing work hours and location, though specific in-office days may be required for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Vienna, VA, offers a balance between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration, which is common in government contracting roles where team cohesion and security are paramount. The workspace context emphasizes the need for strong communication and collaboration skills, especially when working across different locations and disciplines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, portfolio link, and resume to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting a previously designed user flow from your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your design process, the problem you solved, your design decisions, the constraints you worked within, and the tradeoffs you made.

• Skills Assessment: Likely includes discussions on Figma proficiency, design system understanding, accessibility knowledge (Section 508/WCAG), and Agile/Jira experience.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with UX researchers, engineers, product stakeholders, and potentially subject-matter experts to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and domain knowledge.

• Cultural Fit: Evaluation of your openness to direction, critique, mentorship, and alignment with SteerBridge's mission-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your UI craft, design system experience, and ability to handle complex information and workflows.

Prioritize projects that align with the job description (e.g., complex interfaces, government systems, evidence-rich applications).

• Structure Your Case Study: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The problem statement/challenge.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • Your design process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration).
  • Key design decisions and rationale.
  • Constraints and tradeoffs considered.
  • The final solution and its impact/outcomes.

• Highlight Design System Work: Explicitly showcase your experience with design systems, including component usage, creation, and extension.

• Demonstrate Accessibility: If possible, include examples of how you've incorporated Section 508 or WCAG standards into your designs.

• Prepare for the User Flow Presentation: Select a user flow that is complex enough to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely. Practice this presentation thoroughly.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced errors, increased user satisfaction).

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready for potential live design exercises or in-depth discussions about Figma features and workflows.

• Design System Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you'd use or extend a design system for a given problem.

• Accessibility Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for accessibility in specific scenarios related to the AICES platform.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions that require you to break down complex problems and propose design solutions, explaining your thought process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily focused on portfolio demonstration and the ability to articulate design decisions. Candidates should be prepared to dive deep into their work and explain the "why" behind their design choices, especially concerning complex workflows and government requirements. The emphasis on a specific user flow presentation is a critical differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in advanced features like components, variants, auto layout, and interactive prototyping is essential.

• Jira: Used for task management, sprint tracking, and collaborating with engineering teams within an Agile framework.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for the designer, it's expected that insights from user research, usability testing, and potentially product analytics will inform design decisions. Familiarity with how designs translate into measurable outcomes is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of this Product Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is narrowly focused on design and project management tools. Figma is the central design tool, and Jira is key for workflow management. Understanding how these tools integrate and facilitate collaboration with engineering is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong emphasis on serving the U.S. Government and advancing critical missions, implying a dedication to impactful work.

• Excellence & Problem-Solving: A culture that values leadership, critical thinking, and a commitment to high-quality solutions, especially from its veteran workforce.

• Innovation & Modern Technology: Leveraging emerging technologies and commercial-grade capabilities to deliver agile solutions.

• Talent Cultivation: A commitment to developing employees, creating meaningful career pathways, and fostering professional growth.

• Collaboration & Respect: Working together across diverse teams (veterans, military spouses, professionals) with respect and dignity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: High degree of collaboration with UX researchers, engineers, product stakeholders, and subject-matter experts. Designs must be feasible and aligned with diverse needs.

• Mentorship-Driven: The Senior Product Designer provides direction and critique, fostering a learning environment.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Designs are refined through critique sessions, usability testing, and stakeholder feedback, indicating a culture that values continuous improvement.

• Open Communication: Proactive communication of progress and escalation of blockers is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: SteerBridge's culture appears to be a blend of government contracting rigor and a modern tech company's focus on innovation and employee development. The emphasis on veterans and mission impact suggests a team that is dedicated, skilled, and purpose-driven.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Information: Designing for complex, evidence-rich systems like AICES requires careful information architecture and the ability to make intricate data understandable and actionable.

• Government Requirements: Adhering to stringent government regulations, security protocols, and accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG) adds a layer of complexity to the design process.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with diverse stakeholders (users, engineers, product managers, government officials) requires strong communication and negotiation skills to balance various requirements and constraints.

• Agile Workflow Management: Effectively managing multiple design tasks within an Agile sprint cycle, estimating effort, and delivering production-ready assets on time.

• Transitioning Research to Production: Translating validated user research and workflows into tangible, implementable designs that engineers can build accurately.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Government Sector Expertise: Gain invaluable experience in designing for the U.S. federal government, understanding its unique processes and user needs.

• Advanced UI/UX Skills: Hone skills in complex information design, interaction design, and design system management.

• Accessibility Mastery: Become an expert in Section 508 and WCAG compliance for government applications.

• AI Design Tools: Explore and integrate AI-assisted design tools into the workflow, staying at the forefront of design technology.

• Mentorship & Career Progression: Benefit from direct mentorship from senior designers and clear pathways for increased responsibility and career growth within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the domain (government contracting, complex systems) and the role's responsibilities. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to specialize in government technology or UX for complex data environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user workflow you designed. Walk us through your process, the key decisions you made, and the tradeoffs you considered." (Focus on clarity, problem-solving, and articulation of design rationale).

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for the AICES platform, given the need to integrate with existing evidence review processes and maintain accessibility standards?" (Demonstrate structured thinking, consideration of constraints, and user-centricity).

• "Explain your experience with design systems. How do you ensure consistency and contribute to their evolution?" (Highlight understanding of design system principles, component usage, and pattern contribution).

• "How do you incorporate Section 508 and WCAG accessibility guidelines into your design process?" (Showcase practical application and understanding of compliance requirements).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers who had technical constraints that impacted your design. How did you navigate that situation?" (Focus on communication, problem-solving, and finding mutually agreeable solutions). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for SteerBridge and supporting government missions?" (Connect your values and career goals to the company's mission and client base).

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating design critique and mentorship?" (Emphasize openness, learning, and a growth mindset).

• "What is your understanding of the role of a Product Designer in an Agile development environment?" (Showcase awareness of the iterative process, collaboration, and delivery cycles). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best Flow: Choose a user flow that is complex enough to showcase your problem-solving skills but also clear enough to explain within a reasonable timeframe.

• Tell a Story: Frame your presentation as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the journey, and the outcome.

• Focus on the "Why": For every design decision, explain why you made it. Connect it back to user needs, research, technical constraints, or business goals.

• Highlight Constraints and Tradeoffs: Be honest about the challenges you faced and how you navigated them. This demonstrates critical thinking and realism.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides or live demo are clean, well-organized, and easy to follow.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery, accurate timing, and confident articulation of your design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is highly practical and experience-driven. Candidates must be ready to demonstrate their skills through their portfolio and articulate their thought process. Strong communication and a deep understanding of the design process, from problem identification to implementation, are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co. Ensure your resume and portfolio link are up-to-date and clearly visible.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate expertise in Figma, design systems, complex workflow design, and accessibility (Section 508/WCAG). Prioritize government or enterprise software examples if available.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with UI design, prototyping, design systems, and relevant tools (Figma, Jira). Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decisions, and tradeoffs for a specific user flow. Be ready to discuss your experience with accessibility, Agile methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SteerBridge's mission, values, and their work with the U.S. Government. Understand the context of the AICES platform and its importance in claims evaluation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to a Product Designer role in government contracting. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.